Chargers Hold McDaniel Firm as Herbert's Picking Continues
Jim Harbaugh retains the offensive coordinator after a 0-6 start, citing confidence in McDaniel's work ethic despite Justin Herbert's league-leading interceptions.
By Samira Khalil ·
Los Angeles Chargers fans face a new reality for the second half of the 2026 season: the man calling the shots has not changed. Head coach Jim Harbaugh announced Wednesday that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will remain the playcaller, a decision that keeps the current leadership intact after six straight losses.
The team enters the second half with a 0-6 record and a league-worst scoring average of 15.0 points per game. In their most recent contest, a Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers managed just 259 total yards and scored a season-low six points. The 22-6 defeat left them as the only winless team in the National Football League.
Harbaugh made the call after the organization reviewed its own game film during the Week 7 bye. He expressed trust in his coordinator, stating, "We're very confident in Mike and his talent, his work ethic and his ability." Harbaugh added that the staff examined every aspect of the team to identify areas for improvement, noting that they responded by looking at every part they could better.
McDaniel arrives in Los Angeles with a distinct resume. He was released by the Miami Dolphins in January after four seasons as head coach. Prior to that, he engineered a 2023 Dolphins offense that set records, including a 70-20 victory over the Denver Broncos that produced over 700 yards of offense.
Since joining, McDaniel has focused on altering Justin Herbert's mechanics. The quarterback changed his shotgun stance, moving his left foot in front of his right. Herbert practiced this adjustment over the offseason using a green water ball to refine his footwork while McDaniel observed. McDaniel described Herbert as the most talented quarterback he has coached and said his goal was to help the signal caller own the position.
The results on the field have not matched the reputation. Herbert has thrown eight interceptions this season, tying for the league lead. He was picked off by Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in Week 3 and suffered two interceptions against Seattle Seahawks linebackers Drake Thomas and Ernest Jones IV in Week 4.
The Chargers remain 0-6 with McDaniel at the helm. Harbaugh's decision to keep the coordinator signals that the organization believes the current offensive structure is still capable of producing results in the coming weeks.
Source: ESPN
